The Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees discussed the university's funding as compared to other four-year universities in the state during its meeting Thursday.

Dr. Robert C. Brown, Tech president, informed the board that the university's scholarship funding had been questioned with allegations that Tech was over-awarding scholarships to its students.

"Allocation per student is very, very low," said Brown.

Scholarship dollars per full-time equivalent student for 2002-03 was approximately $909 per 5,520 students, based on Arkansas Department of Higher Education data released in February.

Results of the 2003 Legislative session show funding for Tech at $26,698,384, according to the ADHE General Operating & Capital Recommendation 2003-05 Biennium and ADHE 2003 Fact Book for Arkansas Public Higher Education.

The need-based formula calls for more than $97 million for higher education in the next biennium, which Brown said he does not see happening.

Funding is usually provided politically instead of educationally. Tech is aggressive with its growth in meeting its enrollment goal of 6,000 students, and aggressiveness is not on some persons' agendas, Brown said.

Also due to the lack of actual square footage on campus for academic space needs, Tech is excluded from funding, according to Brown.

Graduation rates for the state from 1996 to 2001 show that Tech is the second highest with 49.10 percent, behind only the University of Central Arkansas, according to ADHE data.

According to Brown, graduation rates are too low and should be in the mid-50s.

In other financial matters, David Moseley, vice president for administration and finance, reported on Tech's financial statement for the month of February.

Moseley said expenditures were less for the month, which has the Tech a "good financial situation," with a total of $1.4 million.

The board approved the purchase of roperty at 900 N. El Paso for $35,000. It is located south of the campus and is in the same block where the university purchased five lots and two houses a few months ago.

It is unknown at this time what the property will be used for, according to Susie Nicholson, assistant to the president for university relations.

Under items for information, construction projects reported on included.

Ron Vest of Ozark was appointed to fill a vacant position on the Board of Advisors for Tech's Ozark campus, formerly Arkansas Valley Technical Institute.

After an executive session dealing with personnel issues, the retirement of John Cadle, professor of health and physical education, effective July 2, was accepted. The probationary contract of Michael P. Underwood, assistant professor of music, was not renewed.

Recommendations by Jack R. Hamm, vice president for academic affairs, of emeritus status for William W. Trigg, professor emeritus of chemistry, and Dr. Victor K. Vere, professor emeritus of geology, were approved.